Phuket is one of the most well-known beach destinations in Asia; travellers fly in from all around the world for some soaking up in the sun and relaxation at the prized Thai island. Among all the beaches in Phuket, Patong Beach is the largest and busiest one on the island.
While Patong Beach is known for many things – from water sports, to nightlife and luxe resorts – it can be quite a challenge to find affordable authentic Thai food when you are there for a holiday. Most restaurants along Patong Beach are tourist traps, and they serve mediocre Thai food at exorbitant prices.
We made several trips, and picked out some fantastic places to dine at when at Patong Beach. They may not be the cheapest by Thailand’s standards, but they are authentic enough with reasonable price tags, some of which are favourites even among locals. Here is our guide on where to eat at Patong Beach, featuring five restaurants and eateries that offer delicious Thai classic dishes and seafood.
KAAB GLUAY RESTAURANT
On one of our recent trips, Kaab Gluay was recommended to us by locals, and it most certainly deserves a mention for serving good and inexpensive Thai food. The menu is extensive and you can enjoy your classic Thai dishes without breaking the bank.
Located on Phrabarami Road, further north of Patong Beach, Kaab Gluay can be slightly inaccessibly, but take our word for it – avoid the tourist restaurants along Patong Beach and take a tuk tuk here. The fare for the ride will be compensated with the satisfying meal.
We had our favourite Thai dishes – Green Curry Chicken (THB 120), Tom Yum Goong (THB 120), Phad Thai (THB 65), Stir-fried Kale with Roast Pork (THB 120) and Salted Egg Yolk Squid (THB 120); nothing disappointed, and we scrapped the plates clean fast before we knew it.
58/3 Phrabaramee Road
Patong, Phuket
Tel: +66 76 340 562
NO. 6 RESTAURANT
An institution in Patong Beach, No 6 Restaurant serves pretty decent Thai food at reasonable prices. While it was not the best Thai food that we have had, there are no complaints for the price that we paid. Phad Thai starts from THB 70, while most of the meat dishes are priced between THB 100 – THB 150.
No. 6 Restaurant’s original shop is just a 3-minute walk from Jungceylon Shopping Mall, the largest shopping mall in Phuket. During dinner, it provides free transport from the original shop to its second outlet on a hill further north of Patong Beach (just 10 minutes away) and during dinner.
186 Rat-u-thi- road
Patong, Phuket
PAN YAAH RESTAURANT
Pan Yaah Restaurant is located along the road heading towards Kamala Beach and it comes with a splendid view that overlooks the entire Patong Bay. It is considerably a romantic spot, especially when you get a table by the edge to catch the sun set during the evening.
You can get all the classic Thai dishes – like spicy Thai Salad (THB 180), Red Curry Beef (THB 170), Green Curry Chicken (THB 175), Phad Thai (THB 140) – at Pan Yaah, but you have to try its Tom Yum Kung (THB 200) which is so satisfyingly spicy with a kick.
249 Prabaramee Road
Patong, Phuket
PATONG SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Conveniently located beside the beach, Patong Seafood is the place to go to for a feast after a day of sun-tanning at the beach. The menu is comprehensive and includes the usual Thai dishes like Tom Yum Talay (THB 190 – THB300), Green Curry with Chicken (THB 180), Crab Curry in Coconut Milk (THB 240), as well as a selection of seafood such as Fried Prawns with chilli (THB 200), Charcoal Grilled Snapper with Salt (THB 350).
98/2 Thaweewong Rd
Patong, Phuket
Tel: +66 76 340 247
SEA HAG RESTAURANT
Established in 1991, Seahag Restaurant is one of the more popular restaurants in Patong Beach which specialises in seafood and Thai dishes. It is situated along Soi Wattana, just a stone’s throw away from the Beach. Prices here are steeper than most of the restaurants in Patong Beach, but you will be rewarded with a good variety of the freshest seafood.
Some of the dishes that are worth trying include Mixed Seafood Platter (THB 1,900), Prawns with Yellow Curry (THB 260), and Grilled Squid (THB 320).
78/5 Permpong Soi III
Thaweewong Road
Patong, Phuket
Tel: +66 76 341 111
We tried the phad thai at Kaab Gluay recently (apr 2015) and it was poorly cooked. Noodles were hard/undercooked. However, the other dishes such as pineapple rice, Tom yum goong and basil chicken with rice tasted really great.